peripheral venous catheter

(peh-RIH-feh-rul VEE-nus KA-theh-ter)A thin, flexible tube that is inserted into a large vein, usually in the back of the hand, the lower part of the arm, or the foot. It is used to give intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy and other drugs, and for taking blood samples. It avoids the need for repeated needle sticks.